“We old McLarenites should pause to say thank you, dear Lewis”– McLaren celebrates Lewis Hamilton 2008 championship win which he won by single point margin after chaotic drama in Brazil

Tanish Chachra | 02/11/2021
"We old McLarenites should pause to say thank you, dear Lewis"– McLaren celebrates Lewis Hamilton 2008 championship win which he won by single point margin after chaotic drama in Brazil

On this day, Lewis Hamilton in 2008 won his first championship while competing with McLaren, defeating Ferrari’s Felipe Massa by a point.

“Is that Glock? Is that Glock going slow?” the commentators roared while Lewis Hamilton, with his crucial P5 in Brazil, snatched the championship away from Felipe Massa.

Emotions soared high as the Formula 1 world got introduced to its another greatest. On this day in 2008, the boy from Stevenage became the world champion.

A historic start to his six more championship wins, especially after the Briton was similarly denied the championship a year earlier. McLaren, who was the force to reckon with back then, today celebrates the iconic triumph.

The race also showed the brilliance of Hamilton, as when the chips were falling, he was calm enough to win the minimum required. Remembering the day of brilliance and one of the best championship fights ever, Twitter reacts.

Also read: Mercedes AMG GTR Safety Car to make a return to Formula 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton crushing Felipe Massa dreams

Whilst Hamilton became the champion. Several hearts went to Massa, who gave everything to seal his maiden championship. He started from the pole position and eventually won the race.

Ferrari’s crew burst in celebration, with Massa’s family overwhelmed. Only to realize that the 23-year-old Hamilton has crushed their hero’s dream.

Moreover, it was his home Grand Prix; what could more he would have done on that day. It’s a shame that the Brazilian sensation never won a championship.

Watch the race

Also read: The fascinating story of Sergio Perez doing cold calls to make it to Formula 1 eventually

Post Edited By: Tanish Chachra
Felipe Massa ferrari Lewis Hamilton McLaren

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

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